Product Description

This commentary to present an exposition of the Fourth Gospel as the Christian Church adopted it. Among other things, this means that it proceeds from the canonical form in which the Gospel has come down to us from ancient times-taking into account the text-critical problems with which the multiplicity of manuscripts and textual witnesses confront us. The author is especially interested in presenting a theological exegesis of the Gospel and dealing with the significance of the gospel message that the Evangelist had in view as he wrote.

Publisher's Description

This excellent commentary by Herman Ridderbos engages seriously the host of twentieth-century interpretations of John while also developing its own integral understanding of John in which the Gospel emerges as a profoundly theological work. Ridderbos presents John in its distinctively apostolic character and includes important criteria for the literary and homiletical exegesis of the Fourth Gospel.

Author Bio

(19092007) Herman Ridderbos was professor of NewTestament at the Theological School of the ReformedChurches of the Netherlands in Kampen.

Editorial Reviews

Expository Times "Of considerable importance for all who try to engage with the Fourth Gospel. . . Ridderbos must be considered by all who approach John from a different starting point, for he raises legitimate questions."

Interpretation "A rich resource for any preacher or student. . . Ridderbos effectively displays the historical and conceptual coherence of the Gospel of John."

Journal of the Evangelical Theological Society "Readers familiar with Herman Ridderbos have come to expect outstanding scholarship from the well-known Dutch scholar. The Gospel of John: A Theological Commentary should not disappoint anyone. . . Ridderbos's commentary reflects balanced scholarship that endeavors to come to grips with what John was trying to say in his portrayal of Jesus. . . The commentary is a splendid example of theological analysis without postulating redactional layers and is a significant addition to works on John."

Westminster Theological Journal "Ridderbos manages to comment on virtually everything that affects our understanding of the evangelist's message, and that means that the commentary is ideally suited for pastors, as well as for students whose primary interest is the theology of the Fourth Gospel."

This is a very good one-volume commentary on the Fourth Gospel. The product of a mature theological mind that is well-grounded in Contenental Reformed theology, there are several positives I would like to mention. It is, first, canonically-oriented in its approach. Ridderbos comes to grips with critical interpretation of St. John's Gospel while not losing focus on the meaning of the text as we have it. He forces us not simply to be satisfied with a point drawn from an isolated favorite passage, but demands that we move beyond the individual passage to think about the meaning of the Gospel for faith and life as a whole. Second, the commentary is theological. While one may hold to a strong disjunction between the biblical text and theology, as per critical exegesis, is this a wise or profitable endpoint for reflection? Scripture is given for the edification of the people of faith, and it is important that we ask how a biblical passage or an entire biblical book helps us understand the self-revelation of God in Jesus Christ. Ridderbos demands concentration as he bids the reader journey through the Gospel and asks the theological questions. The commentary is not for people seeking a brief and breezy treatment of the text to lift them up and carry them through their day, but it well-repays the reader to use it in tandem with other resources as he or she studies the text. Whether one agrees with Ridderbos at the end or not, this work will stretch you and force you to ask, too, "What is it that St. John's Gospel helps me understand about God?"

Ask Christianbook

Ask Christianbook

What would you like to know about this product? Please enter your name, your email and your question regarding the product in the fields below, and we'll answer you in the next 24-48 hours.

If you need immediate assistance regarding this product or any other, please call 1-800-CHRISTIAN to speak directly with a customer service representative.

Name:

Email:

Question:

Availability

Availability: Expected to ship on or about 12/20/16. You may order this item now and we will ship it to you when it arrives. If you are charging this purchase to a credit card, you will not be charged for this item and its portion of your shipping charges until it is shipped.